What Jobs Can I Get With an MBA?
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An MBA can prepare you for a business career in a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, marketing, finance, and human resources.
With an MBA (and some experience), you can often qualify for management positions, such as general financial manager, product marketing manager, and management consultant.
Not only do these occupations generally offer high earning potential, but they are alsoexpected to experience solid job growth rate in the upcoming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projectes around 1.2 million management positions will open up each year up to 2033. This translates to solid career prospects for many MBA graduates.
If you want to learn more about the jobs you can get with an MBA, read on for an overview of the most popular roles and their salary expectations.
Management Jobs
According to the BLS, management occupations offer the highest median salary, which hit $116,880 in May 2023. But exactly how much you can earn as a manager depends on your experience level, employer, and locations.
These are some of the most common managerial positions available for MBA gradates:
Chief Executive
Chief executives run companies and set their long-term goals. They work with other executives to direct an organization and measure progress toward objectives. In addition to setting the company’s direction, CEOs also create policies and foster a company culture. Related roles include chief operating officer and chief financial officer.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$206,680
Projected Job Outlook
5% increase from 2022-2033
General Manager
General managers oversee daily operations and create long-term business plans. Depending on their industry, general managers might assign work, track progress on projects, or make company policies. General managers often also create schedules and plan for the use of materials. Related titles include operations manager.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$103,840
Projected Job Outlook
6% increase from 2022-2033
Project Manager
Project managers oversee the completion of specific projects. Starting with the development stage, they create schedules, timelines, and budgets for projects. Project managers are also responsible for staffing and procurement. In some industries, project managers act as the point of contact for the client.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$98,580
Projected Job Outlook
7% increase from 2022-2033
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Finance and Accounting Jobs
Finance and accounting jobs offer some of the highest average salaries. Some roles within thiss field also benefit from strong projected job growth.
Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee an organization’s long-term financial strategy to make sure the company stays on solid financial footing. They manage investment strategies and create business activity reports for executives. Financial managers also supervise financial analysts and review financial reports for accuracy. Related titles include risk manager and financial director.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$156,100
Projected Job Outlook
17% increase from 2022-2033
Personal Financial Advisor
Personal financial advisors recommend investment and saving strategies for people. They meet with clients to understand their savings goals and recommend ways to meet those goals. Some personal financial advisors specialize in retirement savings, estate planning, or college savings. They may also select investments on behalf of clients.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$99,580
Projected Job Outlook
17% increase from 2022-2033
Accountant
Accountants create financial records and use financial documents in business decision-making. With an MBA, graduates can work as certified public accountants, management accountants, and accounting managers. They may take on supervisory responsibilities, depending on their role. An MBA meets the credit requirements for a CPA license.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$79,880
Projected Job Outlook
6% increase from 2022-2033
Tech and IT Jobs
The technology sector offers many opportunities for people with an MBA. Additionally, technology is one of the highest-paying industries for MBA professionals, according to the GMAC’s 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers oversee an organization’s computing and technology needs. They implement computer and information systems. These managers also recommend upgrades to executives. In addition to supervising IT staff, computer and information systems managers research emerging technologies. Related titles include IT manager and IT project manager.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$169,510
Projected Job Outlook
17% increase from 2022-2033
Chief Technology Officer
Chief technology officers act as the head of technology for an organization. As part of the executive team, CTOs meet with managers and division leaders. They conduct research into new technologies and recommend strategies to the CEO. The CTO also takes on long-term planning responsibilities.
Average Annual Salary (April 2024)
177,330
Projected Job Outlook
N/A
Marketing Jobs
Marketing is another growing field for MBA graduates.
An MBA in marketing builds the research and analytical skills for careers as a marketing manager or director. It can also help you access related fields like promotions, sales, and advertising.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers evaluate research to determine customer demand and pricing strategies. They recommend new products and services to reach potential markets. Marketing managers also evaluate competitors to maintain a business advantage. Within their organization, marketing managers work closely with staff in public relations, advertising, and product development.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$156,580
Projected Job Outlook
8% increase from 2022-2033
Marketing Director
Marketing directors set their organization’s marketing goals and oversee marketing plans. They manage a team of marketing professionals and sign off on marketing concepts and budgets. Marketing directors also work with executives in other departments to reach the company’s overall objectives.
Average Annual Salary (April 2024)
$97,628
Projected Job Outlook
6% increase from 2022-2033
Promotions Manager
Promotions managers oversee an organization’s promotions and other incentive programs. They draw on marketing and advertising skills to create promotional campaigns. These campaigns may include digital ads, direct mail, special events, or incentives like discounts and gifts. Promotions managers work closely with marketing, sales, and advertising managers.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$156,580
Projected Job Outlook
8% increase from 2022-2033
Human Resources Jobs
An MBA in human resources trains learners in strategic HR, workforce planning, and organizational development. The degree leads to opportunities as an HR manager, compensation and benefits manager, or training and development manager.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee an organization’s benefits and administrative needs. They play a central role in recruiting and interviewing potential staff. HR managers also manage employee benefit programs and resolve disputes between employees. As heads within human resources, they also recommend strategic hiring, training, and retention plans to executives.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$136,350
Projected Job Outlook
6% increase from 2022-2033
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation and benefits managers oversee an organization’s pay and benefits programs. They research wage rates to offer competitive salaries and select benefits vendors for the organization. Compensation and benefits managers also explain plans offered by the company and make sure the plans comply with regulations.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$136,380
Projected Job Outlook
2% increase from 2022-2033
Entrepreneurship Jobs
An MBA in entrepreneurship leads to opportunities as a business founder and management-level roles growing established businesses. The degree trains learners in new venture financing, product innovation, and launching new ventures.
Chief Executive Officer
Entrepreneurs who found their own business often hold the title CEO. Chief executive officers, also known as presidents or executive directors, set the direction for the company. They implement policies, measure progress toward goals, and work with other executives to manage the organization. CEOs bring specialized skills depending on their industry.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$206,680
Projected Job Outlook
6% increase from 2022-2033
Management Consultant
Management consultants recommend changes to improve efficiency and increase profits. They analyze an organization’s processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. Management consultants may recommend changes to the corporate structure, policies to improve retention, or new procedures. Management consultants may work independently or as part of a consulting company.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$99,410
Projected Job Outlook
11% increase from 2022-2033
Healthcare Jobs
With an MBA in healthcare management, graduates work in healthcare management, hospital administration, and executive leadership. These roles require a strong understanding of the healthcare industry, policies and regulations related to healthcare, and management in health organizations.
Healthcare Manager
Healthcare managers oversee non-clinical functions at a healthcare organization. They manage staff, create long-term plans, and coordinate healthcare services. Some managers oversee a facility or department, while others manage a medical practice. They bring a background in leadership, plus knowledge of the healthcare industry. Related titles include healthcare executive and healthcare administrator.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$110,680
Projected Job Outlook
29% increase from 2022-2033
Hospital Administrator
Hospital administrators oversee the administrative side of a hospital. They research improvements in healthcare delivery and create goals for the hospital. Hospital administrators may also recruit and supervise staff. As part of their responsibilities, they may oversee budgets, create schedules, and report to governing boards.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$110,680
Projected Job Outlook
29% increase from 2022-2033
Frequently Asked Questions About MBA Jobs
How much money can I make with an MBA?
It depends on your industry, location, and experience. In the 2022 Corporate Recruiters Survey, recruiters reported a median starting salary of $115,000 for recent MBA graduates. However, that figure varied by concentration, with professionals in consulting, finance, and technology reporting the highest salaries.
Which MBA jobs pay the most?
The highest-paying jobs include chief executive officer, chief technology officer, and financial manager. According to data from the BLS and Payscale, CEOs and CTOs report salaries of over $160,000. The highest-paid CEOs and financial managers make over $208,000, or the equivalent of over $100 an hour.
Which MBA jobs are in highest demand?
Many jobs for MBA graduates are in high demand. For example, the BLS projects financial managers will experience 16% job growth from 2022-2033. Overall, management careers are projected to benefit from 10% job growth from 2022-2032. That translates to over 1,000,000 new management jobs. The BLS estimates that this fast growth is due to new companies emerging and the expansion of current businesses.
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